Source Of Mn Research Articles

Manganese-methionine chelate improves antioxidant activity, immune system and egg manganese enrichment in the aged laying hens.

It has been reported that supplementation of manganese (Mn) could alleviate the negative effects of age on egg quality in laying hens. However, limited information is available on compensatory ways in order to reduce the adverse effects of hen age on health and Mn deposition in the body. The objectives were to investigate the effect of organic and inorganic sources of Mn on antioxidant activity, immune system, liver enzymes, shell quality and Mn deposition in the tissues of older laying hens. A total of 250, 80-week-old Leghorn laying hens (w36) were allocated into five treatment groups with five replications in a completely randomised design. Treatments were control (without Mn supplementation), 100% Mn sulphate, 75% Mn sulphate+25% organic Mn chelate, 50% Mn sulphate+50% organic Mn chelate and 25% Mn sulphate+75% organic Mn chelate. The groups fed 50 and 75% organic Mn chelate exhibited the lowest feed conversion ratio, as well as the maximum laying percentage, and egg weight and mass. Except to those fed 75% Mn sulphate, the hens received Mn supplements either as organic or inorganic, had higher immunoglobulin G and M compared with the control (p<0.05). A significant elevation in the values of superoxide dismutase was observed in the hens receiving 50 and 75% organic Mn chelate when compared with the other treatments. The ALP activity decreased with increasing organic Mn chelate. Mn supplementation, either as organic or inorganic, increased Mn deposition in bone, egg yolk and shell, serum and liver. Dietary supplementation with 50-75% Mn-methionine has the potential to replace Mn-sulphate in laying hens' diet for improving eggshell quality, Mn deposition in the eggshell, antioxidant capacity and immune response, as well as improving laying performance, egg weight and feed conversion ratio.

Nutritional Assessment of a Traditionally Important Shrub &lt;i&gt;Haloxylon Salicornicum&lt;/i&gt; from Four different Locations of Western Rajasthan

Haloxylon salicornicum is a very important lesser known wild fruiting shrub species of arid region. It has edible seeds and reported to be used for bread making by mixing with other grains during famines. Fruits and seeds are also used as animal feed, wood as fuel and different plant parts for medicine purpose. It is a good soil binder hence used in restoration of degraded lands. Nutritional evaluation of Haloxylon salicornicum seeds was carried out from four different locations of Western Rajasthan. Moisture, ash, sugar, fat, fibre content were determined using standard AOAC procedures. Seeds were found to contain protein (12.04-18.3%), sugar (2.63-6.11%), crude fat (1.6- 3.51%) and vitamin C (34.85-47.96 mg/100g). Mineral analysis showed that they were rich source of Fe, Mn, Mg, K and Ca. This work aims at summarizing information on the food value of H. salicornicum so as to promote this species for domestication in arid lands for use as dietary supplement. As it can survive under extreme drought conditions so can be used for cultivation in marginal lands of arid areas.

Distributions of aluminum, manganese, cobalt, and lead in the western South Pacific: Interplay between the South and North Pacific

Aluminum (Al), manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), and lead (Pb) are strongly scavenged from seawater. We reported that each element is uniquely related to ocean circulation in the North Pacific (Zheng et al., 2019). Herein, we present the full-depth distributions of these elements in the western South Pacific, which include meridional sections along 170°W (GEOTRACES GP19). We determined dissolved (d) and total dissolvable (td) concentrations using filtered and unfiltered seawater without UV treatment, and we calculated labile particulate (lp) concentrations as the difference between td and d concentrations. This and the previous studies present the basin scale distributions, which enable us to investigate first order processes that drive the biogeochemistry of Al, Mn, Co, and Pb in the Pacific Ocean. The meridional section of dAl along 170°W (GP19)-160°W (GPc06) from 64°S to 54°N indicates that elevated concentrations (maximum 6.1 nmol/kg) occur between 40°S and 10°S from surface to bottom. However, the maxima of lpAl occur at high latitudes. The lpAl/tdAl ratio has a minimum of 0.26 ± 0.12 (ave ± sd, n = 116) in the zone from 30°S to 0°S. Based on these results, we propose a hypothesis that weathering on land has a significant effect on the distribution of Al in the ocean. Intensive weathering on tropical and subtropical islands and Australia forms kaolinite-dominated soils and laterite. This process provides dAl and kaolinite to the ocean. The supply of kaolinite results in kaolinite-dominated sediments that become a major bottom source for dAl. In contrast, strong sources of Mn and Co are continental shelves around the northern boundary. Dissolved Mn and dCo are released from sediments by manganese reduction and carried by intermediate water circulation. In particular, dCo spreads in the North Pacific Intermediate Water (NPIW), Equatorial Pacific Intermediate Water (EqPIW), and Antarctic Intermediate Water (AAIW); 23–59 pmol/kg at a potential density anomaly (σθ) of 27.0. This is partly owing to the uptake of dCo by phytoplankton and remineralization from settling particles. The dPb concentrations are 10 ± 6 pmol/kg (n = 397) in the South Pacific and 30 ± 20 pmol/kg (n = 566) in the North Pacific. The distribution of dPb is characterized by a maximum in the Subtropical Mode Water (SMW) and Central Mode Water (CMW) with σθ∼26 in the North Pacific. These results indicate that Pb is predominantly supplied by anthropogenic aerosols from Asia and Russia to the Pacific Ocean. Because Pb is not actively taken up by phytoplankton, Pb enters mode waters during winter convection and is transported with mode waters.

Multifunctional surface modification with Co-free spinel structure on Ni-rich cathode material for improved electrochemical performance

In our previous work, a Li reactive-spinel coating using Co and Mn sources is suggested to solve microcracks and residual Li. However, the importance of reducing Co content is increasing due to the cost and environmental issues of Co as well as obstacles caused by patents. In this work, we focus on finding a coating material that can replace Co to overcome the shortcomings of Ni-rich cathode materials. The Ni/Hf coated sample with a multifunctional surface has a higher initial capacity compared to the pristine material. It is attributed to the decrease in residual Li, which hindered Li transportation. The rate capability (3 C/0.2 C) of the Ni/Hf = 2:1 sample is 90.8%. This is due to the unique 3D diffusion channels of the spinel structure. Thus, the Ni/Hf = 2:1 coated sample has a Li-ion diffusion coefficient higher than twice that of the pristine sample. Additionally, the coating layer suppress side reactions and large volume change, with higher reversibility of H2-H3. The charge-transfer resistance of the Ni/Hf = 2:1 coated sample is reduced by 48% compared to that of the pristine sample. Furthermore, it has an enhanced cycle retention of 89.6% after 50 cycles. The uniform Ni/Hf coating on the surface gave stability to the cathode powder, thereby improving performance compared to other coatings and pristine • DFT calculations predicted the components of the Ni/Hf coating layer. • XRD was confirmed that the materials present in the coating layer. • The spinel coating improved the reversibility of the H2-H3 transition. • The spinel and rock-salt coatings suppress side reactions.

High Precision Femtosecond Laser Ablation ICP‐MS Measurement of Benthic Foraminiferal Mn‐Incorporation for Paleoenvironmental Reconstruction: A Case Study From the Plio‐Pleistocene Caribbean Sea

AbstractClosure of the Central American Seaway (CAS) and hydrology of the Caribbean Sea triggered Northern Hemisphere Glaciation and played an important role in the Pliocene to modern‐day climate re‐establishing the deep and surface ocean currents. New data on Mn/Ca obtained with femtosecond laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry on well‐preserved tests of the epibenthic foraminifer Cibicidoides wuellerstorfi and infaunal C. mundulus contribute to the interpretation of paleoenvironmental conditions of the Caribbean Sea between 5.2 and 2.2 Ma (million years) across the closure of the CAS. Hydrothermal activity at the Lesser Antilles may be a primary source of Mn in the well‐oxygenated Plio‐Pleistocene Caribbean Sea. Incorporation of Mn in the benthic foraminifer shell carbonate is assumed to be affected by surface ocean nutrient cycling, and may hence be an indicator of paleoproductivity.

PSVII-7 Effects of Minerals Source Supplementation on Performance and Carcass Production by Feedlot Cattle

Abstract Our objective was to evaluate the effects of mineral source supplementation on performance of finishing cattle when fed a high-concentrate diet for 89 days. Angus-Nellore bulls (iBW, n = 32; 472 ± 4.93 kg; age, 18 months) were randomly assigned to two treatments in a completely randomized design, with sixteen replicates per treatment (animal as experimental unit). The control group received a diet containing inorganic minerals (i.e. sulphates) and the other group were supplemented with carbo-amino-phospho-chelates (TM, Tortuga Minerals) as a source of Cr, Se, Zn, Mn, S, Cu and Co. The DM intake and weight of the animals variables were assessed individually using the respective digital devices, Intergado electronic feeders and the Bosch Precision Livestock platform placed in the feedlot pen. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS and means were separated using PDIFF statement, adopting P&amp;lt; 0.05, and the initial BW as a covariate when significant. Supplementation with TM increased the ADG (1.74 vs. 1.55 kg/d, P&amp;lt; 0.01) and final BW (626.96 vs. 609.91kg, P&amp;lt; 0.01) compared with animals supplemented with inorganic sources. Likewise, animals supplemented with TM had better G:F (0.133 vs. 0.123 kg/kg, P&amp;lt; 0.05) and biological efficiency (146.41 vs 134,34 kg DMI/15 kg de carcass; P&amp;lt; 0.05), with no effect on DM intake (~12.94 kg, P=0.43). In addition, supplementation with TM increased final HCW in 13.44 kg (366.57 vs. 353.13 kg; P&amp;lt; 0.01) and carcass ADG in 0.15 kg/d (1.47 vs. 1.32 kg/d; P&amp;lt; 0.01). We conclude that supplementation with carbo-amino-phospho-chelates can be used as a tool to increase productive performance and efficiency by feedlot cattle.

MOF-derived tunable spin-state MnIII doped g-C3N4 photocatalysts with enhanced photocatalytic activity

In this study, we designed and synthesized MnIII with tunable spin state in g-C3N4 through one-step calcination of Mn-MOF. The Mn atoms were induced into the six-fold cavity of the g-C3N4 lattice and formed Mn-N6 coordination. Mn-MOF served as the source of Mn. The collapse of Mn-MOF effectively promoted the stripping of stacked layers in g-C3N4 and increased the atomic loading. The Mn-N coordination induced impurity energy levels which effectively regulated Mnx-CN's bandgap structure and accelerated the migration and separation of carriers. The O2− was activated to 1O2 by the energy released from the high-spin MnIII transferred ground state. The H2 production of Mn10-CN (13479.19 µmol·g−1·h−1) is ∼32.2 times that of CN under visible light irradiation and with a remarkable apparent quantum yield (AQY) of 12.23% at 420 nm. The rates of TC degradation and Cr (VI) reduction achieved 0.059 and 0.18 min−1, respectively. In addition, the practical application conditions and catalytic mechanism of Mnx-CN were explored. This work demonstrates the connection of the spin state of metal with the photocatalytic activity, providing an efficient photocatalytic system that can be used for solar-chemical energy conversion and pollution remediation, and presenting a new approach for modifying the g-C3N4-based catalysts.

Characteristics, sources, and risk assessment of thallium and associated with metal(loid)s in the Yarlung Tsangpo River Basin, southern Tibetan Plateau.

The Tibetan Plateau (TP) is known as the water tower of Asia, and the water quality has long been a focus of public concern, especially in the Yarlung Tsangpo River Basin (YTRB), a unique area that is climate-sensitive, geologically complex, eco-fragile, and densely populated. Thallium (Tl) is a typical metal that is more toxic than Pb, Cd, and As and often occurs in sulfide minerals. Although large-scale polymetallic sulfide mineralization developed in the YTRB, the geochemical dispersion and potential risk of Tl in aquatic environments of the YTRB remain poorly understood. In this study, the concentration, distribution, source, and health risk of Tl and associated metal(loid)s in the hot springs and surface water in the YTRB were systematically analyzed. The results showed that the trace elements (Cd, Cr, Zn, Cu, Al, Sr, Ni, Co, Mn, Pb) in water environments are within the recommended limits, except for Tl and As. Principal component analysis (PCA) and correlation analysis (CA) showed that the elements of Tl and As were positively related to each other in either both hot spring water and surface water, indicating their common origin. Spatial variations suggested that high levels of Tl and As observed in the north YTRB, which may be relevant to the reduction-dissolution of Tl (As)-bearing minerals and the magmatic hydrothermal system formed in the shallow part of the northern YTRB. Furthermore, source apportionment identified natural sources of Cu, Ni, Cr, Co, Mn, Zn, and Cd and anthropogenic inputs of Al and Pb. Exposure assessment studies have found that ingestion is the primary route of As and Tl exposure to local population, and balneological and bathing purposes do not constitute a human health concern. This study offers valuable insights into the risk of naturally occurring Tl enrichment being hidden in As-rich hydrosphere in the YTRB and other regions with similar geoenvironmental contexts.

Selective recovery of high-grade rare earth, Al, and Co-Mn from acid mine drainage treatment sludge material

Rare earth elements (REEs) and critical elements (CEs) have been in the spotlight recently due to their vital role in high-tech applications and green energy initiatives. Due to the scarcity of mineral resources for the majority of these elements, there has been significant interest in the recovery of these elements from secondary resources. Among the secondary resources, acid mine drainage (AMD) and associated sludge materials have been found to be viable sources of multiple critical elements, including REEs, Al, Co, and Mn. AMD and sludge samples from 3 AMD treatment sites in Pennsylvania were characterized for elemental content and contained value evaluation. A novel purification process based on a previously developed 3-stage AMD treatment process was designed to recover high-grade Al, REE, Co, and Mn products from the sludge materials through aqueous processing with multiple cleaner steps and precise control of the process parameters. The final products of the three stages of this purification process are boehmite and dawsonite in Stage I, adamsite-(REE) in Stage II, and cobalt oxide and ramsdellite in Stage III. Recoveries of > 99 % for the target elements were achieved with the design of a recycling load. Through the proposed purification process, 92.8 % aluminum minerals in Stage I, 88.5 % mixed-REE-carbonate in Stage II, 68 % ramsdellite, and 6.9 % cobalt oxide in Stage III were produced.

Sediments in Sea Ice Drive the Canada Basin Surface Mn Maximum: Insights From an Arctic Mn Ocean Model

AbstractBiogeochemical cycles in the Arctic Ocean are sensitive to the transport of materials from continental shelves into central basins by sea ice. However, it is difficult to assess the net effect of this supply mechanism due to the spatial heterogeneity of sea ice content. Manganese (Mn) is a micronutrient and tracer which integrates source fluctuations in space and time while retaining seasonal variability. The Arctic Ocean surface Mn maximum is attributed to freshwater, but studies struggle to distinguish sea ice and river contributions. Informed by observations from 2009 IPY and 2015 Canadian GEOTRACES cruises, we developed a three‐dimensional dissolved Mn model within a 1/12° coupled ocean‐ice model centered on the Canada Basin and the Canadian Arctic Archipelago (CAA). Simulations from 2002 to 2019 indicate that annually, 87%–93% of Mn contributed to the Canada Basin upper ocean is released by sea ice, while rivers, although locally significant, contribute only 2.2%–8.5%. Downstream, sea ice provides 34% of Mn transported from Parry Channel into Baffin Bay. While rivers are often considered the main source of Mn, our findings suggest that in the Canada Basin they are less important than sea ice. However, within the shelf‐dominated CAA, both rivers and sediment resuspension are important. Climate‐induced disruption of the transpolar drift may reduce the Canada Basin Mn maximum and supply downstream. Other micronutrients found in sediments, such as Fe, may be similarly affected. These results highlight the vulnerability of the biogeochemical supply mechanisms in the Arctic Ocean and the subpolar seas to climatic changes.

Rare earth elements and origin of Fe[sbnd]Mn ores from the Lower Carboniferous Um Bogma Formation, Southwest Sinai, Egypt: A mixed source of metals and multiple formation processes

The economic FeMn ores of the Lower Carboniferous Um Bogma Formation, Southwest Sinai are an important mineral resource, and are also of interest because of their significant enrichment in Cu and U compared to other Phanerozoic Mn deposits. However, their origin remains controversial. Genetic theories range from sedimentary, to hydrothermal, to karst and to laterization origins. This study integrates geological, sedimentological, mineralogical, and geochemical data, particularly rare earth elements, to elucidate the origin of these deposits. Field relations showed the occurrence of FeMn deposits as lenses of Mn-rich material surrounded by Fe-rich clastic deposits, which then are overlain by dolostones, which, in the subsurface, are known to also contain MnFe lenses. The occurrence of the largest of these deposits at a major transgressive surface is consistent with syndepositional Mn mineralization, but not of ironstones. Geochemical proxies, based on modern hydrothermal, diagenetic and hydrogeneous Mn deposits, are mixed: some suggest a hydrogenous and some a hydrothermal source of Fe and Mn. The sweater (hydrogenous) source of Mn and Fe is indicated by the plotting of these ores in the hydrogenous field of the SiAl discrimination plot, by high ΣREE (42–327 ppm), low La/Ce ratios (0.261.5), relatively high Y/Ho ratios for Mn but not for Fe (averages of 35 and 28), and positive YSN anomalies (1–1.8). The ores plot in the sweater fields of the (La/Sm)SN-(La/Yb)SN and (Sm/Yb)SN-Y/Ho diagrams, which also supports this interpretation. However, the hydrothermal input to the source of these ores cannot be ignored and is indicated by high Ba, Cu, Zn, and by high LREE/HREE ratio as well as the plotting of the FeMn samples in the hydrothermal field of the Fe-Mn-(Ni + Co + Cu)*10, (Co + Ni)-(As+Cu + Mo + Pb + V + Zn), (Co + Ni + Cu)-Co/Zn, CeSN/CeSN*-YSN/HoSN and CeSN/CeSN*-NdSN diagrams. In addition, lower Er/Nd ratios than that of seawater and similarity of REE parameters such as ΣREY, Nd and CeSN/CeSN* between the diagenetic FeMn nodules and the FeMn ores of Um Bogma Formation suggest a post-depositional overprint on the REEs geochemistry of these ores. We propose, as most consistent with the evidence from tectonic subsidence history, sequence stratigraphy, and our geochemical-mineralogical data combined with that of others, an initial synsedimentary deposition of Mn, derived from a distally-located back-arc spreading center where modified seawater at relatively low temperature was the hydrothermal fluid released into the surrounding seawater. This plume of Mn-rich water, which can be far-travelled, deposited Mn on the unconformity surface during a rapid transgression. This accumulation of Mn was subsequently modified and significantly upgraded during karstification of the host dolostones soon after deposition of the dolostones. It is likely that the Fe was introduced at this stage via low-oxygen ground water flow along with As and possibly Ba. Finally, much later, there was a flow of warm, saline oxidizing water through the dolomitic aquifer that precipitated Cu, U and Zn in the weathered material accumulated in the karst cavities.

Synchronous Moderate Oxidation and Adsorption on the Surface of γ-MnO2 for Efficient Iodide Removal from Water.

Long-term exposure to excessive iodine via drinking water presents health risks. Moderate oxidation of iodide (I-) to iodine (I2) has a better iodine removal effect than excessive oxidation to iodate (IO3-). This study combines computational and experimental methods to construct a heterogeneous interface with synchronous I- moderate oxidation and I2 adsorption to increase the total iodine removal. Compared to other forms of crystal manganese dioxide (MnO2), theoretical calculations predict that MnO2 with a γ-crystal structure has the lowest adsorption energy, that is, -1.20 eV, and a slight overlap between the conduction and valence bands, which favors electron transfer between I- and Mn(IV) and I2 adsorption. Thus, γ-type MnO2 was designed by adjusting the precursor Mn sources and hydrothermal reaction conditions. The liquid chromatography-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography confirmed that the total iodine concentration in water decreased from 173.7 to 36.3 μg/L after 2 h, with 200 mg/L γ-MnO2 dosage lower than the national standard of 0.1 mg/L. A minute proportion of I- in water was converted to IO3- (approximately 1.1 μg/L). The current I- adsorbent performed better than previously reported ones. During iodine removal, most of the I- migrated from water to the surface of γ-MnO2, and the ratio of I- to I2 was determined to be 1:0.6 by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. This study evaluates iodine species transformation and an optimum strategy for heterogeneous interface design; it is promising for treating high-iodine groundwater.

Source Characteristics of the Carboniferous Ortokarnash Manganese Deposit in the Western Kunlun Mountains

The specific source of ancient sedimentary manganese (Mn) deposits is commonly complex. Here we use systematic major and trace element data with strontium (Sr) and neodymium (Nd) isotopic analyses of the Ortokarnash Mn(II) carbonate ores and associated carbonate rocks from the Upper Carboniferous Kalaatehe Formation (ca. 320 Ma) in order to constrain the Mn source. This formation consists of three members: the first member is a volcanic breccia limestone, the second member is a sandy limestone, and the third member is a black marlstone with the Mn(II) carbonate interlayers. Petrographic observations in combination with low Al2O3 (&lt;3.0 wt%) and Hf (&lt;0.40 ppm) contents and the lack of correlations between the Al2O3 and 87Sr/86Sr ratios as well as εNd(t) values demonstrate a negligible influence of terrigenous detrital contamination on both Sr and Nd isotopic compositions of the Mn(II) carbonate ores. The Sr isotopes of Mn(II) carbonate ores are most likely affected by post-depositional alteration, while Nd isotopes remain unaltered. The initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios in the associated carbonate rocks are likely the result of a mixture of the chemical components (i.e., seawater) and the Al-rich components (e.g., volcanoclastic material), while the detrital effects on Nd isotopes are negligible. In addition, both Sr and Nd isotopes in these non-mineralized wall rocks remained unchanged during post-depositional processes. The relatively low Th/Sc ratios and positive εNd(t) values suggest that the aluminosilicate fraction in the calcarenite and sandy limestone was mainly derived from the weathering of a depleted mafic source, representing the riverine input into the seawater. Given that the Mn(II) carbonate ores are characterized by negative εNd(t) values, these suggest that seafloor-vented hydrothermal fluids derived from interaction with the underlying old continental crust mainly contribute to the source of the Mn(II) carbonates.

Trace Metal Partitioning in the Salinity Gradient of the Highly Stratified Estuary: A Case Study in the Krka River Estuary (Croatia)

A size partitioning of several trace metals (Zn, Cd, Pb, Cu, Ni, Co, Mn, Fe and Al) between five size fractions (&lt;3 kDa, 3 kDa–0.1 µm, 0.1 µm–1.2 µm, 1.2 µm–5 µm and &gt;5 µm) was studied in the vertical salinity gradient of the highly stratified Krka River estuary. The results indicated a dominant river source for Zn, Co, Mn, Fe and Al and a diluting effect on Cd, Pb and Ni. The truly dissolved fraction (&lt;3 kDa) dominated the Zn, Cd, Cu, Ni and Co pool, and a large part of Pb, Mn, Fe and Al was present in &gt;5 µm particles. Pb, Mn, Fe and Al were closely related, showing a precipitation and colloidal aggregation in the surface layers and dissolution in the seawater layer. The highest percentage (30–37%) of colloids (3 kDa–0.1 µm) in the dissolved pool was found for Pb, Cu, Fe and Al. Differences in size distribution between low and high river flow periods revealed that Zn, Pb, Co, Mn, Fe and Al are introduced by the river mostly in the 3 kDa–5 µm size range. Therefore, a low percentage of colloidally bound metals compared to other coastal areas can be explained by a limited riverine input of terrigenous material, characteristic for this estuary. Correlation with PARAFAC components revealed associations of Cu with protein-like substances and Co with humic-like substances. The accumulation of Cu at the freshwater-seawater interface coupled with an increase of its colloidal fraction was observed, apparently governed by biologically produced organic ligands.

Effects of soil properties on heavy metal bioavailability and accumulation in crop grains under different farmland use patterns

Mining activities have increased the accumulation of heavy metals in farmland soil and in food crops. To identify the key soil properties influencing heavy metal bioavailability and accumulation in food crops, 81 crop samples and 81 corresponding agricultural soil samples were collected from rape, wheat, and paddy fields. Heavy metal (copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn)) concentrations in soils and rape, wheat, rice grains were determined using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy, and soil physicochemical properties (pH, organic matter, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, available phosphorus, and available potassium (AK)) were analyzed. Soil extractable metals were extracted using various single extractants (DTPA, EDTA, NH4OAc, NH4NO3, and HCl). The average concentrations of Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, and Mn in the soil samples all exceeded the local geochemical background value (background values of Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, and Mn are 43.0, 81.0, 28.5, 0.196, and 616 mg/kg, respectively), and Cd over-standard rate was the highest, at 98%. Furthermore, soil total Cd concentrations (0.1–24.8 mg/kg) of more than 86% of the samples exceeded the soil pollution risk screening value (GB 15618-2018). The sources of Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, and Mn in soils were mainly associated with mining activities. The key factors influencing heavy metal bioavailability were associated with the types of extractants (complexing agents or neutral salt extractants) and the metals. Cd and Pb concentrations in most wheat and rice grain samples exceeded the maximum allowable Cd and Pb levels in food, respectively, and Cd concentrations in approximately 10% of the rice grain samples exceeded 1.0 mg/kg. Furthermore, rice and wheat grains exhibited higher Cd accumulation capacity than rape grains, and despite the high soil Cd concentrations in the rape fields, the rape grains were safe for consumption. High soil pH and AK restricted Cd and Cu accumulation in wheat grains, respectively. Soil properties seemed to influence heavy metal accumulation in rice grains the most.

Effective Separation and Recovery of Manganese and Potassium from Biomass Ash by Solvent Extraction.

Manganese (Mn) is considered an important, energy-critical metal due to its leading role in the production of electrochemical energy storage devices. One valuable source of Mn is hyperaccumulator plants used for the phytoremediation of contaminated soil. In this study, stems and leaves of ginger (Zingiber officinale), which accumulate Mn at moderate levels (∼0.2 wt %) and potassium (K) at high levels (>5 wt %), were analyzed to assess the potential of recovering metals from this plant. The extraction behaviors of Mn and K were studied using raw and ash samples (100–600 °C). It was crucial to set an appropriate incineration temperature (300 °C) to selectively extract K (∼96%) and Mn (∼90%) using water and nitric acid over two consecutive steps. Additionally, citric acid, a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solvent, was just as effective (∼85%) as nitric acid in extracting Mn. X-ray absorbance near-edge spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis of the ash before and after extractions were applied to elucidate the extraction mechanism. The results revealed that selective extraction of both compounds was possible due to the change in the oxidative state of Mn(II) (soluble in water) into Mn(III) and Mn(IV) (insoluble in water) during sample incineration. Simultaneously, there were complex reactions associated with the changes within potassium carbonate compounds; however, these did not affect the K extraction efficiency.

Antioxidant Activity and Multi-Elemental Analysis of Dark Chocolate.

Cocoa beans are part of the cocoa plant fruit (Theobroma cacao L.) used to prepare various products such as chocolate, cocoa butter, jelly, liqueurs, cosmetics, etc. Dark chocolate is consumed worldwide by different populations and is known for its good taste, making it one of the most favoured food products. This work aimed to determine the content of total polyphenols (TPC), total flavonoids (TFC), and the antioxidant potential measured through the ability to scavenge DPPH free radicals (DPPH), ferric reducing power (FRAP), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), as well as major and trace elements contained in twelve commercially available dark chocolate samples, with cocoa content ranging from 40% to 99%. The total polyphenols content ranged between 10.55 and 39.82 mg/g GAE, while the total flavonoid content was from 10.04 to 37.85 mg/g CE. All applied antioxidant assays indicate that the sample with the highest cocoa percentage shows the greatest antioxidant activity (DPPH: 48.34% of inhibition; FRAP: 89.00 mg/g GAE; TAC: 83.86 mg/g AAE). Statistical methods were applied to establish the differences between the samples concerning TPC, TFC, DPPH, FRAP and TAC, as well as to differentiate the samples according to the mineral content. The results indicated that the differences in TPC and TFC between different samples depended on the cocoa content and the addition of dried fruit pieces. A good correlation between antioxidant potency composite index (ACI) and declared cocoa content was noticed (R2 = 0.8034), indicating that the declared percentage of cocoa is a reliable indicator for antioxidant activity of analysed dark chocolate samples. The nutritional evaluation proved that the studied chocolate samples were an excellent source of Mg, Fe, Mn and Cu.

A far-red emission Ca3La2W2O12:xMn4+ phosphor for potential application in plant growth LEDs

Many Mn4+ ion-doped Ca3La2W2O12 phosphors were produced using the conventional high-temperature solid-phase method. The microstructure, luminescence properties, quantum yield, and fluorescence lifetime of Ca3La2W2O12:xMn4+ phosphors were systematically researched by XRD, fluorescence spectrometer, and SEM. In 300–550 nm, Ca3La2W2O12:xMn4+ phosphor has an influential broad excitation band. In 650–800 nm, there is an emission peak at 715 nm, which corresponds to the 2Eg→4A2g energy level transition of Mn4+ ion. With the increase of the doping concentration of Mn4+ ions, the luminescence intensity first increases and then decreases. When the Mn4+ concentration is x = 0.07, the concentration quenching appears due to the electric dipole-electric quadrupole effect. The influences of various Mn sources on the luminescence performance of Ca3La2W2O12:0.07Mn4+ phosphor were investigated. The outcomes show that the emission spectrum of the Ca3La2W2O12:xMn4+ phosphor was well-matched with the absorption band of the plant photosensitive pigments PR and PFR. As a result, Ca3La2W2O12:xMn4+ phosphors are extremely promising applications in promoting plant growth, flowering, and fruiting.

Elevated whole blood manganese is associated with impaired cognition in older adults, NHANES 2013–2014 cycle

Manganese (Mn) is found in many commonly consumed foods and therefore its deficiency is rare. However, excessive exposure to Mn from contaminated drinking water as well as occupational exposure can result in toxic accumulation in the brain, which has been associated with impaired neurological function. The objective of this study was to examine the NHANES 2013 – 2014 cycle focusing on the relationship between whole blood Mn concentrations and cognitive tests including working memory, word recall and sustained attention in elderly adults (aged 60 years and older). The different cognitive function test scores were used in principal component analysis to develop a composite score. The relationship between blood Mn concentration and cognitive function (principal component score and Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST)) were investigated using regression analysis. Median (95% CI) concentrations of blood Mn, serum copper, and serum iron were 8.76 (8.5, 9.1) µg/L, 114.9 µg/dL (110.3, 118.1), and 80 (78, 83) µg/dL, respectively. We found that among individuals in the highest quartile of blood Mn concentration (>11.18 µg/L), there was an inverse association between blood Mn and cognitive function as assessed using DSST (β (95% CI) = −0.76 (−1.19 to −0.33); p = 0.003), while the inverse relationship with the composite score trended towards significance (β (95% CI) = −0.04 (−0.08 to 0.00); p = 0.053). These findings suggest that having elevated blood Mn ay be associated with cognitive decline in aging and warrants further studies on how the different sources of Mn may contribute to this outcome.

Effect of in ovo manganese injection on the embryonic development, antioxidation, hatchability, and performances of offspring broilers under normal and high temperatures

Two experiments were carried out to study the effect of in ovo manganese (Mn) injection on the embryonic development, antioxidation, hatchability, and performances of offspring broilers under normal temperature (NT) and high temperature (HT). Experiment 1 was conducted to investigate the effect of in ovo Mn injection on the embryonic hatchability of Arbor Acres broiler breeders. On D 9 of incubation, a total of 684 fertilized eggs were randomly allocated to 6 treatments: the non-injected positive control (niPC) and treatments injected with 0 (the negative control, iNC), 6.25, 12.5, 25.0, or 50.0 μg Mn/egg as Mn sulfate. Experiment 2 was conducted to investigate the effect of in ovo Mn injection on the embryonic development, antioxidation and performance of offspring broilers under NT and HT. A total of 792 fertilized eggs were randomly allocated to 6 treatments in a 1 (niPC) + 1 (iNC) + 2 (injected Mn sources: Mn sulfate and Mn proteinate) × 2 (injected Mn levels: 12.5 and 25.0 μg/egg) factorial arrangement during the embryonic stage and D1 to 28 at NT. Then, 288 birds were allotted to 12 treatments in a 6 (the above embryonic treatments) × 2 (environmental temperatures: NT-22℃ vs HT-34℃) factorial arrangement from D 29 to 42. The results showed that Mn injection affected (P < 0.03) the hatchability and the maximum level of in ovo injected Mn was 25.0 μg Mn/egg. The Mn injection upregulated (P < 0.05) Mn-containing superoxide dismutase mRNA expression in the embryonic heart compared to the iNC. Hyperthermia decreased (P < 0.05) ADG and ADFI, breast muscle percentage, plsma alkaline phosphatase activity, and red color values of breast and thigh muscles, but increased (P < 0.05) F/G, plasma aspartate aminotransferase and lactic dehydrogenase activities, total cholesterol, uric acid and triiodothyronine contents, abdominal fat, light values of breast and thigh muscles of offspring broilers. The results suggest that in ovo Mn injection can enhance antioxidant ability in the chick embryonic heart.